As a person whose family exiled from two different countries and had to grow up in a country without any other family members, traveling has always been a normal part of my life from a very early age. In fact, my first flight was when I was six weeks old! Traveling provides a window into so many rich cultural experiences: people, food, art, music, language, friendships, the list is endless.
One of the greatest strengths of living in the U.S. is there are so many cultures to experience right here at home. From Little Italy in NYC to Chinatown in San Francisco to Calle Ocho in Miami – you can immerse yourself without leaving our borders. Even in our own Dallas we can easily explore so many different cultures depending on which side of town you are in.
In embracing our cultural differences and backgrounds, we eventually find our common humanity. Civil rights begins with each of us being willing to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and see the world from their point of view. So many look at Martin Luther King, Jr. Day only in the context of an “African American” celebration or his
“I Have a Dream” speech. However, when you look at his life in total, he did not just fight for African American rights. He fought and advanced civil rights for all.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was someone who embraced and celebrated the diversity of our country as strength to be harnessed and valued. We’ve come a long way since his speech 52 years ago, but we still have a ways to go.
As we reflect on the legacy of Dr. King, the historical strides our country has made and embrace the strides we have yet to make, let us start with the willingness to do our part.
There are many things to do this holiday to honor this legacy. I ask that you carry his intention with you every day after with the simple acknowledgement that when you look beyond the color of our skin, we are all the same inside.
Tommy T.